In its 13th year, the 2016 Rochester Twilight Criterium is expected to draw more 25,000 spectators, as well as 500 athletes from around the world.

What’s a criterium, anyway?

Every criterium is a bike race, but not every bike race is a criterium. The “crit” format, characterized by high-speed racing around a short 1-to-2-kilometer loop, is well suited to urban settings. The compact layout minimizes the impact on traffic but maximizes spectator access to the action. A lot like “NASCAR on two wheels,” criteriums (not criteria) are the most popular type of bicycle race in the United States. More importantly, Rochester’s Twilight Criterium is one of just 17 events throughout the country approved by USA Cycling as part of the US National Pro Road Tour.

Event Details

The 13th Rochester Twilight Criterium, held August 13th, is produced by the South Wedge’s own Full Moon Vista Bike & Sport. Admission is free for spectators. Amateur racing action starts at 3:15. The one-hour women’s professional race gets underway at 6:25, and the two-hour men’s pro race starts at 8:05. Though the men will enjoy a monopoly on the “twilight” aspect of the event, the men’s and women’s groups will be competing for unprecedented equal purses!

The best way to maximize your racing enjoyment will be to park at the Civic Center garage at 55 Fitzhugh Street, then head toward the finish area by taking Exchange Boulevard and Court Street against the flow of cyclists. That way you’ll catch every bit of action on your way to the heart of the event.

Twilight Criteri-yum

South Avenue just South of West Main Street will be a festival-like atmosphere with a diverse food truck lineup, a beer garden, and the center of the excitement — the finish line. You’ll find the food trucks in front of the Rundel Library. Local brewer Rohrbach — official beer sponsor of the Rochester Twilight Criterium — will be serving up Highland Lager, Railroad IPA and Scotch Ale on Court Street across the street from the finish area.